CVE-2018-15730 in AntiMalware
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in STOPzilla AntiMalware 6.5.2.59. The driver file szkg64.sys contains a Denial of Service vulnerability due to not validating the output buffer address value from IOCtl 0x80002067.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15730 represents a critical denial of service weakness within STOPzilla AntiMalware version 6.5.2.59, specifically affecting the szkg64.sys kernel driver component. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the driver's implementation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to disrupt system operations through crafted IOCTL (Input/Output Control) requests. The vulnerability manifests when the driver processes IOCTL code 0x80002067 without properly validating the output buffer address, allowing arbitrary memory access patterns that can lead to system instability and complete service disruption.
The technical flaw resides in the driver's failure to validate memory buffer addresses during IOCTL processing, which directly relates to CWE-125, known as "Out-of-Bounds Read," and CWE-787, "Out-of-bounds Write." This validation gap enables attackers to manipulate the driver's memory management routines by providing malicious buffer addresses that can cause the kernel to access invalid memory locations. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can compromise the entire operating system's stability. When an attacker sends a specially crafted IOCTL request with an invalid output buffer address, the driver fails to perform proper bounds checking, potentially leading to kernel crashes, system hangs, or complete system reboot cycles.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to endpoint security systems that rely on kernel-mode drivers for protection. The denial of service condition can be exploited by attackers to render the anti-malware solution ineffective, potentially allowing malicious software to execute without detection while the system remains unresponsive to legitimate security operations. This creates a dangerous scenario where system administrators might be unaware of the compromise as the security solution fails to function properly. The attack vector requires minimal privileges since the vulnerability exists within the driver's IOCTL handling mechanism, making it accessible through standard user-level applications that can communicate with the kernel driver.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it undermines the fundamental security posture of systems running the affected software. Organizations using STOPzilla AntiMalware may experience unexpected system downtime, increased incident response overhead, and potential exposure to malware during the periods when the anti-malware solution is non-functional. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation and defense evasion, as attackers can exploit the service disruption to bypass security controls. The vulnerability also relates to technique T1489, "Service Stop," where adversaries disrupt system services to achieve their objectives.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate software updates provided by the vendor, as well as network-level monitoring to detect suspicious IOCTL patterns. System administrators should implement strict access controls for the affected driver components and consider disabling unnecessary kernel driver interfaces. Regular security assessments should verify the integrity of kernel-mode components and monitor for unauthorized modifications. Organizations should also maintain comprehensive incident response procedures that account for potential driver-level vulnerabilities and ensure system recovery capabilities when such disruptions occur. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper kernel driver security practices and demonstrates how inadequate input validation can create severe operational impacts in security software solutions.